Wednesday, March 30, 2011

I've sailed away on a couple of novels recently and really enjoyed the voyage, so naturally I wanted to share them with all of you.

The first is called Winter Sea, by Susanna Kearsley, and you can bet I will be reading more of this author's work. A good historical novel is exactly my cup of tea, and this one happens to be set in Scotland during the early 1700s, a favorite era (and area) for me. What's more, this author blends her own characters with the real Jacobite players so seamlessly that I simply could not put the book down. She does complete justice to the details of an uprising that could have put Prince James (Stuart) on the throne while artfully taking the reader to a venue so enchanting and compelling that it becomes almost another character. Using the book-within-a-book technique, alternating between two time periods, and injecting a hint of the supernatural that still manages to be mostly believable, Susanna Kearsley creates what can only be called a refreshingly good read. I would compare her voice to Mary Stewart's, and that is no small tribute. Don't get me wrong, the novel isn't earth-shattering or life-changing. It is, however, as thoroughly enjoyable as the proverbial warm fire on a winter evening (with hot chocolate, whipped cream, and some good-smelling candles thrown in for effect). Even better, it's long! I still found myself wishing more pages would mysteriously appear as I reached the end.

The second book, by Susan Fraser King, is called Queen Hereafter and chronicles the reign of Margaret of Scotland, a medieval queen of compassion and intelligence. While historical details are limited, King remains as true to them as possible, adding delightful bits and pieces of story line to flesh out a foundation based in truth. This book has many colors and is at once light and a little bit broody. Even better, it entertains without becoming fluff or anything approaching it. In fact, Queen Hereafter is by turns moving, amusing, and somewhat unsettling, with a subtle magic all its own.

Both are on Kindle and probably at the library. If not, Barnes and Noble is a good bet. Whichever way you go, give these a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

This is my niece looking very proud of herself as she shows off her first (very successful) attempt at making the Danish tea ring that has rendered my parents world-famous. In our world, anyway. Grandma and Grandpa were at her side to direct that marvelous production, and I think the two of them felt pretty good about their student.

In the next couple of weeks, they've agreed to teach my eldest son the same skill, carefully handing down to the next generation this traditional breakfast treat that has met our eager eyes every Christmas morning for more years than any of us can count.

I'm glad our kids are willing to put in the time and care necessary to continue this and other traditions that have graced our favorite holiday and added so much happiness over the years. Sure, it's only a pastry, but even small things matter when you're making memories. Those little bits of love make up the whole picture, in the end.

Even better, if you keep the traditions alive from generation to generation, the end never comes. Great family memories, like great families, can be forever!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Jenny Matlock has thrown us a bit of a curve with this week's Saturday Centus. That wily woman has asked for a poem––a rhyming one––and we have 100 words to convince her that we can get the job done. The prompt, as always, is in red.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

It's true. Birds of a feather DO flock together. And I like it that way!

Which means that I couldn't begin to celebrate my 800th post blogiversary without expressing gratitude to all of the valued friends who have frequented my blog in the past 2 1/2 years. Much of the enjoyment I find here is derived from your support and interest, and your comments are so appreciated that I've actually come to prefer blogging to writing books (which surprises me more than anyone). Sue's News, Views 'n Muse has become my preferred writing arena, and you guys are a big part of that.

I also love visiting your blogs and being a part of the atmosphere you create there. The talents displayed never cease to amaze me, and I am touched, uplifted, amused, and taught by each of you on a regular basis. I appreciate the sense of community we have established, and I am glad every day to be a part of it.

By way of thanks, I've decided to host another giveaway! (I do love a good giveaway, and I hope you will find this one very good indeed.) All ya gotta do to participate is (1) be or become a follower and (2) leave a comment below, telling me which type of post you prefer from me (poem, essay, travel, review, Centus, family, humor etc.). Optional is (3): put a link on your blog and get your name placed one extra time in the lovely red bowl from which I draw the winners. Easy, right?

Now for the best part: the prizes!

The first place winner will have first choice of these pendants, the second place winner second choice, etc. These hand-painted glass tiles include 18-inch ball chain necklaces, and I hope the winners will enjoy wearing them. Additionally, each winner will receive a copy of one of my books, whichever he or she prefers. (If you scroll down, you can see all three in the right sidebar.)

The last day to enter will be Saturday, March 26th at 11:59 PM, and winners will be announced on Monday morning. Good luck, everyone!

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WHICH DISNEY PRINCESS ARE YOU?

Strong and spirited. You're no one's girly girl; actually you are very determined person with a strong sense of self. Never let go of that! The only thing that equals your sense of self is your family, but the traditions of society can always be bent to protect something or someone you love.

WHICH COLOR CRAYON ARE YOU?

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors.
You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius.
Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way.
While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme.

Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.
(NO DEPTH??? SURELY YOU JEST!)